Preventing Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects many people. People get Alzheimer's when a protein called; amyloid takes over the brain and as the level of protein increases so does the memory loss. My grandfather had Alzheimer's disease, which became challenging for him and his surrounding love ones to live a normal life. His memory loss started slowly with just forgetting a few things here and there. Then over time it gradually became worse. It was so bad that family members had to feed him, change him and bath him. His last year of life was basically confined to his bed. Despite his battle with Alzheimer's I believe there are things that he did that helped prevent the disease from being full blown early on and lengthen his life. I believe the things that he did are good for preventing Alzheimer's disease and delaying the delay the progress if you already have Alzheimer's.

Keep your mind active. I always say a healthy body has a healthy active mind. I personally believe you can decrease the chances of amyloid invading your brain by keeping your mind active by reading, writing, putting a puzzle together and engaging in a fun hobby. My uncle would always love doing crossword puzzles and reading the comics. To help give you ideas I have written an article called, "How to Keep Your Mind Healthy with Mental Exercises." This article gives wonderful tips on how you can keep your mind active.

Have a healthy diet. A healthy diet can do wonders for the mind and body. A healthy diet can keep your immune system strong and prevent diseases from occurring. Some good foods that my grandfather would eat are fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fiber, fish and cheese. He basically tried to keep a well-rounded diet.

Exercise everyday. Exercise can keep the mind and body moving towards health. According to Dr. Ronald Petersen, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, "Several studies indicate that staying intellectually active and engaged throughout your lifespan, being physically active, getting out, doing exercise, walking, staying physically fit, may contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease." My grandfather would either ride his bike or walk for an hour everyday.

Stay away from bad habits. Things such as smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming sugar and fats are not going to keep the body healthy. If you have an issue with any of these things then please get help. There are so many health consequences that are attached to these habits.

Reduce feelings of stress. Stress is an everyday part of our live and we can't avoid. However there are things that you can do to help reduce it. My grandfather would love to mediate everyday to relax his body. He would also have a masseuse come to his home and give him weekly massages.

Interact with others. I think what gave my grandfather a long life well after he had Alzheimer's was his love for people. He always enjoyed interacting with others. He would have parties at least every month. He would get together with friends and go hiking, bowling and golfing.

Eric Sabo, "The Future of Preventing Alzheimer's Moves Closer to Reality" Sacramento Bee URL: (http://sacbee.healthology.com/alzheimers-disease/alzheimers-disease-information/article72.htm)